Alex Baer: Rutting Around for Reason... and Reasons

Wednesday, 22 January 2014 23:58

We are creatures of ruts. Ruts keep us self-regulated, self-herded, and auto-piloted, functioning along a thin line of choices -- except, over time, they are no longer choices. These ruts may have been choices once, but are now only pre-set governors of our possible responses to life, captured and restricted by our previously made decisions and choices.

It's hard to see a rut when you're in it. Not looking, and not seeing, are part of the energy-saving bargain of a rut: There's no need to waste time or energy on considering options, making decisions, testing the waters, or re-considering steps.

Not much of a bargain, though, when all one can do is plod on forward, shlep backwards, or freeze in place. Creative types will occasionally look up from the confines of the rut, and even jump up now and then, prairie-dogging, office-cubicle-worker-style, to get the lay of the land.

Even in a rut, there are moments when recognizing the rut become possible -- moments when the sun is high in the sky, and the angle of light allows something other than the usual shadows to be traced on the walls and floor of the rut.

But, light is a messenger bringing only awareness. It is no more responsible for what it finds in the rut with you than a car's headlights, or a camp flashlights, reveal. If you are someone who finds it enjoyable to see your way clearly to Truth, then light is a helpful thing. Light is not very helpful to anyone who prefers to muddle on, unaware and unconscious.

Ruts come in many sizes and shapes, and many frequencies and flavors. Ruts populate many different aspects of our lives. Once in a while, it's possible to get a sunlight-flash of recognition by spotting, and understanding, the fact of the rut, its nature, and your participation in it.